Chicago Bears NFL Draft: Player comparisons for tight end prospects

Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M

Player Comparison: Hunter Henry

The highest-ranked tight end prospect on this list, Jace Sternberger was unknown in the college football world prior to a breakout season last year at Texas A&M.

Sternberger, a transfer from Kansas, made the most of his first season as a starter, making 48 catches for 832 yards and ten touchdowns.

Picking a player such as Sternberger who has such little experience and is far from a sure thing is risky, but it is not unlike anything that the Bears have done before. Frankly, Mitchell Trubisky‘s only knock coming out of college was his inexperience, as he had just one season under his belt before turning pro.

Therefore, the only negative against Sternberger is virtually erased, as we know that the Bears have disregarded it in the past, and will certainly disregard it once again. I think it’s safe to say that Sternberger is the Bears’ top target at tight end.

One player in particular that Sternberger compares to is Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry. Henry was also a mystery out of college, but has a very similar frame (6-foot-5, 250 pounds), and is a reliable pass-catcher, as well as a capable blocker when called on.

If the Bears select Sternberger and he plays anything as Henry did prior to his injury last season, then the Bears will have absolutely nailed this pick. Henry flourished in a two tight end set in his last healthy season, and Sternberger has the potential to do much of the same in Chicago.